Watching a loved one age can be tough for any family member, but when they get to the point where they are no longer able to live at home alone, this could put them at risk for a dangerous accident.
Whether their needs are completely physical and they are unable to do daily tasks on their own, or they have memory issues that make living alone unsafe, they might need in-home care. With nurses and caregivers available to take care of your loved one, you can feel at ease knowing that their needs are being met. Here are ten things to know about in-home care so you can be assured that your loved one will receive the best care possible.
Unique Care Plan
With in-home care, your loved one will get a free evaluation of their situation to help them determine what kind of care is needed, whether any special accommodations may be needed, and what your family member’s goals are with transitioning to this kind of care.
Next, a registered nurse will create a custom plan that will account for their unique needs. Not only will they take in the physical needs of a patient, but they will also discuss the psychosocial needs as well to ensure that the patient is comfortable with their caregiver.
Then, they will pick a caregiver that fits the patient’s needs to find a match that will work for both the nurse and your loved one. Because the care will take place in the home, both people should be comfortable working together.
Routine Visits for Success
After a caregiver is chosen, the in-home care will begin. To make sure that your loved one is getting the best care possible, and that the healthcare plan is being followed, a registered nurse will stop by for visits to check in on the patient’s progress. If there are any concerns with the arrangement, or if the level of care needs to be increased, the nurse will be there to make those adjustments as they see fit.
Creating a Conducive Environment
Caregivers and in-home aides don’t just help your loved one with physical and medical needs, but they are also there to create a safe and stimulating environment. Keeping up conversations with your loved one and keeping them socially engaged are also a part of the job. This can make your loved one feel better in their day-to-day life knowing that they will have interaction.
Research Quality Providers
When searching for caregivers and in-home nurses, you want to do your research and find a company that will focus on keeping your loved one happy and healthy. You don’t want just anybody taking care of a family member, especially when they will have access to their home. So, thoroughly vetting a company for quality will ensure that you get the best of the best.
Matchmaking Your Caretaker
Finding a good company is one part of the job, but you also want to focus on finding a specific caregiver that will treat your loved one well and who will mix well with their personality. This person will be in their home often, and they need to get along well. Finding the right person for the job may take time, but having someone who makes your loved one comfortable and safe is important.
Care Around the Clock
With in-home care, not only will your loved one have access to help when they need it during the day, they can also have a caregiver around the clock to keep accidents from happening at night. The elderly are often at risk of falling when climbing the stairs, taking a shower, or trying to get something from a cabinet. If they’re alone they no one will be able to come to their aid.
Perhaps more important, if they are not feeling well, they will be taken care of by someone else instead of having to care for themselves. Overnight care is especially comforting to them when they aren’t feeling well.
With in-home care, your family members will have someone there to help them anytime they need it.
The Importance of Mental Health
Being around someone who doesn’t make you feel comfortable or safe takes a toll on your mental health. So, does losing your sense of independence. Many elderly people experience these feelings, making them feel insecure and fearful. However, if you are able to find a caregiver who is uplifting and comforting to your loved one, then they can help keep their spirits up while they provide care.
Accommodations for Special Needs
In-home care is designed to comprehensively provide service to individuals. Professional caregivers can help family members with special needs continue their regular Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) with dignity. This includes eating a healthy diet and feeding, extra assistance for bathing and personal hygiene, dressing and undressing with assistance as needed, grooming hair, assisting mobility through balance and range of motion, and toileting.
Fall Prevention and Treatment
Seniors are unfortunately at very high risk of falling, and experience a great deal of difficulty recovering. Supervision by in-home caregivers can be the best prevention, as they are trained to watch for dangerous conditions. Professionals are also able to respond quickly in the case of falls, being on the spot to help as soon as possible. Having a professionally trained caregiver to assess injury and report to doctors can be invaluable in ensuring a fall victim gets the right care.
Care For Alzheimer’s and Dementia
A tragic fact for many loved ones is that diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia can only progress and lead to a loss of independence. However, it is still possible for them to complete essential daily activities with caregiver assistance. Professionals at Comfort Home Care use the CARES platform from the Alzheimer’s Association. Our caregivers Connect with your loved one, Assess their behavior and mood, Respond appropriately, Evaluate what methods are working for them, and finally Share with team members what they learn. This allows for understanding the patient’s situation and providing comprehensive team care.
Call Today For More Info
Are you searching for an in-home caretaker for a loved one who will fit your family member’s lifestyle and personality? Finding the perfect fit can feel like a tough job, but with the help of Comfort Home Care, you can get an in-home aide that will help your loved one with all household needs. Call today to find out more information about our services.
